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Funding Instrument: Thuthuka

Functional Domain: Grants Management & Systems

Administration

Document: Application and Funding Guide 2019

Date: March 2018

Thuthuka Application and Funding Guide 2019 2

Table of Contents

Funding Instrument: Thuthuka ........................................................................................... 1

List of Acronyms ............................................................................................................ 4

1 Thuthuka Funding Instrument ....................................................................................... 5

1.1 Overview..................................................................................................................... 5

1.2 Objectives .................................................................................................................. 5

2 Eligibility ............................................................................................................ 6

2.1 PhD Track ................................................................................................................... 7

2.2 Post‐ PhD Track ....................................................................................................... 7

2.3 NRF Rating Track (Unrated Researchers) .............................................................. 8

3 Granting Rules ............................................................................................................ 8

3.1 Funding Duration ...................................................................................................... 8

3.2 Participation across Funding Tracks ...................................................................... 9

3.3 Exclusions ................................................................................................................. 9

3.4 Co--funding ................................................................................................................. 9

3.5 Carry Forward of Grant Funding ........................................................................... 10

3.6 Multiple Grants ........................................................................................................ 10

4 Budget Breakdown and Funding Model .................................................................... 10

5 Categories of Support .................................................................................................. 11

5.1 Human Capacity Development (Grantholder‐linked Student Support) ............ 11

5.1.1 Student Assistantships ............................................................................................. 12

5.1.2 Postgraduate Bursaries ........................................................................................... 12

5.2 Running Expenses .................................................................................................. 13

5.2.1 Materials and Supplies ................................................................................... 13

5.2.2 Research Equipment ..................................................................................... 14

5.2.3 Research, adhoc and Technical Assistance ................................................... 15

5.2.4 Local Travel ................................................................................................... 16

5.2.5 Local Conference ........................................................................................... 16

5.2.6 International Conference ................................................................................ 17

5.2.7 Visiting Scientist......................................................................................................... 18

6 Quick Overview of the Thuthuka Funding Instrument .............................................. 21

7 Application Process ..................................................................................................... 24

7.1 How to Submit Applications .................................................................................. 24

7.2 Screening and Review Processes ......................................................................... 25

7.2.1 Overview of the Screening Process ...................................................................... 25

7.2.2 Overview of the Review Process ........................................................................... 25

7.3 Ranking of Proposals ............................................................................................. 26

7.4 Application Feedback and Disputes ..................................................................... 31

7.5 Accountability within NRF ...................................................................................... 31

8 Grantholder Responsibilities ........................................................................................ 31

8.1 Reporting .................................................................................................................. 31

8.2 Managing Changes during the Project Life Cycle ............................................... 32

Application and Thuthuka Funding Guide 2019

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8.2.1 Change Requests ...................................................................................................... 32

8.3 Scientific Compliance ............................................................................................. 32

8.3.1 Methodology ............................................................................................................... 32

8.3.2 Intellectual Property Rights ...................................................................................... 32

8.3.3 Ethics ........................................................................................................................... 33

8.3.4 Access to Data ........................................................................................................... 33

8.4 Supervision .............................................................................................................. 33

8.5 Premature Termination ........................................................................................... 33

9 Contact Details .......................................................................................................... 34


List of Acronyms

PR Progress Report

DA Designated Authority

CF Carry forwards

CoG Conditions of Grant

DST Department of Science and Technology

GMSA Grants Management and Systems Administration

HEI Higher Education Institution

HICD Human and Infrastructure Capacity Development

NRF National Research Foundation

RE Reviews and Evaluation

RISA Research and Innovation Support and Advancement

RISP Research Infrastructure Support Programme

SARChI South African Research Chairs Initiative


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Introduction

This Application and Funding Guide is intended to inform potential and existing Thuthuka

grantholders of the operational procedures for participation in this Funding Instrument. It

should be read in conjunction with the Thuthuka Framework document, which can be

accessed at http://www.nrf.ac.za/funding_overview.php.

The Application and Funding Guide provides a brief overview of the Thuthuka Funding

Instrument, including issues of eligibility, funding tracks, the application process, funding

guidelines and review procedures. It does not, however, constitute a complete set of the

policies, procedures or systems used by the NRF.

1 Thuthuka Funding Instrument

1.1 Overview

The Thuthuka Funding Instrument, initiated in 2001, is central to the NRF’s human capital

development strategy in so far as it relates to advancing the equity and redress agenda

within the research sphere. It is located within the Human and Infrastructure Capacity

Development directorate at the NRF (http://hicd.nrf.ac.za/). Operating within the ever-‐

evolving higher education landscape, this Funding Instrument aims to develop human capital

and to improve the research capacities of designated researchers (black [African, Indian and

Coloured], female or disabled) with the ultimate aim of redressing historical imbalances. This

is done in partnership with public HEIs, Science Councils and other research institutions,

as recognized by the NRF.

1.2 Objectives

The strategic objectives of the Thuthuka are to -

promote the attainment of a Doctoral qualification by early-‐career academics

employed at South African universities, Science Councils and other research

institutions recognised by the NRF;

promote the research development of early-‐career academics employed at South

African universities, Science Councils and other research institutions recognised

by the NRF;

promote the attainment of an NRF rating by early-‐career academics, in particular

black and female researchers and persons with disabilities;

promote the attainment of an NRF rating by academics that have not been able

to realise their potential or sustain their research ability by virtue of the lack of an

enabling research environment;

promote the attainment of an NRF rating by academics that have not been able

to realise their potential or sustain their research outputs due to family

responsibilities;

http://www.nrf.ac.za/funding_overview.php

http://hicd.nrf.ac.za/)

http://hicd.nrf.ac.za/)


foster a culture of research excellence and aid in the development and expansion

of the national knowledge-‐based economy by boosting research outputs and

human capital development; and

effect a transformation in the demographic composition of the established

researcher community at publicly funded HEIs, Science Councils and other

research institutions recognised by the NRF, with respect to gender, race and

persons with disabilities.

2 Eligibility

The Thuthuka grants are limited to academics and researchers, with academic and/or

joint academic and administrative professional appointments, at NRF recognised public

HEIs, Science Councils and other research institutions. Where applicable, applicants must

provide proof that the institution, at which the individual is employed, recognises such a

joint appointment. Applicants must be employed in these institutions on a full-‐time

permanent or full-time contractual basis. In the case of a contract, the appointment must

extent for the duration of the approved three‐year funding cycle. Applications from Doctoral

students appointed by institutions for the duration of the project will not be accepted.

Applicants that are generally under the age of 45 years at the time of first application may

apply. Applicants in the PhD and Post PhD Tracks over the age of 45 should submit a

motivation as to why they were not able to achieve their doctoral qualification or research

capabilities by the stipulated age.

First-time applicants to Thuthuka should NOT be rated scientists, but may become rated

during the tenure of the Thuthuka grant. Once rated, a grantholder must complete the current

cycle and exit the Funding Instrument. However, should an NRF Evaluation and Rating

application and a Thuthuka application be submitted simultaneously and, both are successful,

then the Thuthuka grant will not be awarded.

Female applicants that are appointed on a fixed-term half-day appointment in order to

accommodate family responsibilities can apply. This is limited to women raising children of

four years of age and below. A copy of the child’s ID document should be included in the

online application.

The Institutional Support Form, which is attached to the Call documents, must be

downloaded by the applicant for the Dean of the Employing/Affiliated Faculty and Research

Office/DA signatures and then uploaded in the attachment section. This document is

submitted to confirm and verify the Institution’s support to the applicant for the proposed

research. The Funding Track has to be completed by the applicant on the Institutional

Support Form.

Failure to submit a fully signed and completed Institutional Support Form will render the

application ineligible for Review and will be rejected. Failure to include the funding track on

the Institutional Support Form will result in an automatic rejection of the application.


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Applicants are required to upload a copy of their South African Identity Document online for

audit purposes. This should be done under Registration Details on the application.

Applications that are submitted without this document will be automatically rejected.

In addition to the above criteria the following also applies. The Thuthuka Funding Instrument

consists of three distinct tracks. Applicants may apply for funding in one of the following

three tracks:

2.1 PhD Track

The following eligibility criteria apply in respect of the PhD Track:

Only South African citizens.

Should have obtained a minimum of a Master’s degree.

Registered for a Doctoral degree.

Electronic endorsement by a nominated supervisor supporting the proposed

Doctoral work to be undertaken (supervisor’s report to be submitted via the

electronic application process).

Note:

The applicant has to complete the supervisor’s details in the Reference section of

the application. An e-mail will be generated requesting the supervisor to complete

the form electronically. The supervisor’s report is an integral part of the application

and without this the application will not be considered for funding.

Successful applicants must provide renewed proof of registration annually for the

consecutive years of NRF funding. Failure to comply will lead to the cancellation

of the grant.

Should a grantholder not have obtained his/her Doctorate within six years of

funding in this Funding Instrument, no further funding will be considered beyond

the sixth year.

If applying in Thuthuka for the first time and the project was previously funded

by the NRF as a grantholder-‐linked bursary or funding from the Emerging

Researchers section of the NRF, progress to date needs to be provided in the

proposal. The years of previous funding for the Doctoral degree from any other

NRF Funded Programme will be taken into consideration when funding is awarded.

2.2 Post‐ PhD Track

The following eligibility criteria apply in respect of the Post-‐PhD Track:

Only South African citizens may apply.

Applicants should have obtained a Doctoral degree no more than five years

prior to the date of first application.

Institutional commitment from the employing institution, pledging to allow the

applicant time off for research and relief of teaching duties to conduct

fieldwork/research, must be submitted with the application (institutional support form

to be submitted with the application).


2.3 NRF Rating Track (Unrated Researchers)

The following eligibility criteria apply in respect of the NRF Rating Track:

Only South African citizens and South African permanent residents with a valid

South African Identity Number may apply. Applicants applying for permanent

residence will not be considered.

Should have obtained a Doctoral degree. The Doctoral degree should have been

obtained no more than 8 years prior to the date of first application.

Institutional commitment from the employing institution pledging to allow the

applicant time off for research and relief of teaching duties to conduct

fieldwork/research, must be submitted with the application (institutional support

form to be submitted with the application).

A research focus has been identified in an area in which the applicant plans to

establish a research track record.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have been unable to establish themselves as

researchers due to limited research opportunities (e.g. working at an institution with limited

research infrastructure and research activity, or due to family responsibilities). If such

limitations are not clear from the proposal and confirmed in the applicant’s career profile,

the application will not be considered.

3 Granting Rules

3.1 Funding Duration

Funding is available for a maximum period of six years (in two three year cycles) within all

Tracks. Budgets are approved annually, based on outputs and progress reported in a

Budget Motivation submitted to the NRF by grantholders. Budget Motivations must be

approved by the grantholder’s Head of Department. Approved grants for continuing

grantholders are released upon submission of a Progress Report (PR) by 15 February.

A new application should be submitted for each three year funding cycle in the same Track

except for the PhD Track.

The following apply if a grantholder in the PhD Track completes his/her Doctoral degree

within a three‐year cycle:

If the Doctoral qualification is completed within the first three year cycle, the

grantholder may apply for funds for a new project in the Post-PhD Track for a second

cycle, after which he/she will be eligible for a third three‐year cycle in the same

Track.

If the qualification is completed in the second, three year cycle, the grantholder

may apply for funds for a new project in the Post-‐PhD Track for one additional

funding cycle.

Grantholders commencing their Thuthuka grant in the PhD Track, are therefore

eligible for up to three, three-year cycles (9 years) in total within the Funding


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Instrument, provided they complete their Doctoral degree within the first two funding

cycles.

Grantholders in the PhD Track that have received 6 years of funding but have not

completed their Doctoral Degree, are not eligible for a third three-year cycle of

funding.

Grantholders that currently receive Thuthuka funding must use this document as the

updated Application and Funding Guide. This document must also be used when

submitting a Budget Motivation or Progress Report.

3.2 Participation across Funding Tracks

Applicants may not hold two Thuthuka grants simultaneously. For participation in other

NRF funding instruments, the Overview of Funding Opportunities document of GMSA

(available on the NRF Website), should be consulted.

3.3 Exclusions

Applications that do not meet the requirements for the Thuthuka Funding Instrument will be

rejected without review.

The Thuthuka Funding Instrument does not consider applications for:

research infrastructure for which the Infrastructure Funding Instruments make

provision;

budgets requesting funding only for student support, equipment and/or conference

attendance;

single-year grant applications or grant applications for less than three years, unless

the applicant is in the process of completing a doctoral study (applying in the PhD

Track); lecturer replacement, external supervisory support, study/training visit local/abroad

and sabbatical support;

researchers that have received 6 years of funding in the Post PhD or NRF Rating

Track do not qualify for further Thuthuka funding as this is the maximum number of

years a researcher may be funded by the Thuthuka Funding Instrument; and

researchers that have received three (3) years full-time Doctoral funding from any

NRF Freestanding Scholarship Programmes, Grantholder-linked bursaries or 5

years part-time Doctoral Funding, do not qualify for further funding on the same

level.

3.4 Co--funding

The NRF policy on co-‐funding in this Funding Instrument is a 1:1 funding ratio commitment

by the NRF and the applicant’s employing institution. By validating the application, the

applicant’s institution declares its funding commitment for operating costs at the ratio of 1:1.

The onus is on the institution to ascertain that all budget rules have been adhered to.


The Institutional S u p p o r t Form, which is attached to the Call documents, must be

downloaded by the applicant for the Dean of Employing/Affiliated Faculty and Research

Office/DA signatures and then uploaded in the attachment section. This document is

submitted to confirm and verify the Institution’s support to the applicant for the proposed

research. Important: Indicate funding track on the form.

Failure to submit an Institutional Support Form and/or uploading an incomplete form that

is not supported by the Dean of the Employing/Affiliated Faculty and Research Office/DA,

will result in the application being rejected.

3.5 Carry Forward of Grant Funding

The Carry Forward ( C F ) of unspent/unclaimed funds to the next grant year is not

automatic and will only be considered according to the regulations provided in the

‘Guidelines for the Carry Forward of Unspent/claimed Grant Allocations’. All Thuthuka

grantholders must submit strong motivations for a CF.

3.6 Multiple Grants

A grantholder may not hold a Thuthuka grant concurrently with -

a grant as a Director of an NRF Centre of Excellence or Industrial Centre of

Excellence, or as a participant in the South African Research Chairs Initiative

(unless he/she is a Chairholder of a Tier 2 Research Chair);

any NRF Knowledge Fields Development grants;

NRF Freestanding or grantholder-linked student support.

NRF – FRF Sabbatical Grant

For further details refer to the Overview of Funding Opportunities document of GMSA or the Multiple Grant Eligibility rubric (available on the NRF Website).

4 Budget Breakdown and Funding Model

Thuthuka supports the advancement of individuals from Masters’ to Doctoral level in all

scientific fields. Grants are awarded for well-‐structured research projects that demonstrate

the prudent use of funds. Projects should have clear aims and sound methodologies that

support the study objectives. The NRF does not fund any clinical trials projects.

The budgeting model for Thuthuka takes into account two dimensions, namely the human-

capital dimension (in terms of race, gender and disability) and the funding Track. Funds

are allocated in terms of a horizontal budget split across the three funding Tracks (namely,

PhD, Post-‐ PhD and NRF Rating) with weights assigned to each Track on the basis of its

relative importance. For example, the PhD Track is allocated 40% of the overall budget in

line with the NRF’s initiative of the ‘PhD as a Driver’ for the knowledge-‐based economy

strategy.

Since Thuthuka is aimed at the development and advancement of designated groups per

race and/or gender, the Funding Instrument has set the following targets for allocation of

grants to designated groups, to bring about this transformation:


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PhD Track: 80% of all funded applicants to be Black; and up to 60% to be female.

Post--PhD Track: 80% of all funded applicants to be Black; and 50% to be

female.

NRF Rating Track: 80% of all funded applicants to be Black; and 50% to be female.

The grant covers Running Expenses and Student Support and it excludes costs incurred

by the researcher or institution for research prior to the approval of the Thuthuka award.

5 Categories of Support

When completing the project budget, applicants need to consider all costs that could impact

on undertaking the research, such as the direct, indirect and human capacity development

costs. Budget approvals by the NRF are subject to the availability of funds in any

given financial year.

The amounts allowed per item, by the NRF, need to be considered as indicated below.

5.1 Human Capacity Development (Grantholder‐linked Student

Support)

Grantholder-‐linked student support is available only to the applicant’s human resources

(students) directly involved in the grantholder’s project. The grantholder must be a

supervisor or co-supervisor. Greater participation of women, black and disabled students are

specifically encouraged.

The grantholder is expected to provide mentoring and supervision to all NRF- funded

students supported within his/her grant. The number of students per grantholder is therefore

carefully monitored in accordance with the experience of the grantholder.

In compliance with the Ministerial Guidelines for equity targets, 80% of all students nominated

by each grantholder should be Black (African, Indian or Coloured).

Student support is available in the following categories:

Honours/4th year BTech: Honours/4th year BTech students for South African

citizens only.

Postgraduate Bursaries: Masters and Doctoral f u l l - t i m e students with a

research component of more than 50%.

Postgraduate Bursaries and Honours/4th year B/Tech are awarded for either a full

calendar year or for a semester, depending on the date of registration of the student; the date

of submission of the nomination; and the period for which the award is requested, as indicated

in table 1 below.

Postgraduate students, including Internships, may hold only one Scholarship or Bursary from

the NRF or another state-funded organisation at any one time. This includes NRF/DST and

other Government Internships.


Staff members are not eligible for full-time Masters and Doctoral grantholder-‐linked

bursaries and should not be nominated.

The award of bursaries in each Track is restricted to the total in Table 1 below. The approved

number and level of grantholder-linked postgraduate student bursaries will be subject to the

budget availability.

Table 1: Awards and maximum period of support

Funding Track Level

PhD Track 1 Honours/4th year BTech 1 Masters

Post-‐PhD Track 1 Honours/4th year BTech 1 Doctoral student and 1 Masters OR 2 Masters students

NRF Rating Track 1 Honours/4th year BTech 1 Doctoral student and 1 Masters OR 2 Masters students

Exclusions:

Postdoctoral Fellowships are not supported by this Funding Instrument.

Part-time bursaries are not supported by this Funding Instrument

No bursaries for new Doctoral students will be awarded to grantholders in the last

year of the first or second cycle of a project (3rd or 6th year of funding).

Grantholders in the PhD Track may not request Doctoral grantholder-linked bursaries.

5.1.1 Student Assistantships

Student Assistantships are available to full‐time Honours/4th year BTech students.

Nominees should show potential for postgraduate study and research, participate in the

grantholder’s research project in addition to their normal studies and have maintained

acceptable grades. The grantholder is responsible for supervising and mentoring these

students. The purpose of these assistantships is both to provide assistance to the

grantholder and to attract promising students into postgraduate studies.

5.1.2 Postgraduate Bursaries

Grantholder-‐linked postgraduate bursaries are available to students who are supervised

or co-‐supervised by the grantholder and who work on his/her Thuthuka funded project.

Bursaries for degrees by coursework are supported, provided the research component of the

degree comprises more than 50% of the degree and is externally evaluated.


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Table 2: Awards and Maximum Period of Support

Level Value of support

(per annum)*

Maximum

period of

support

BTech/4th year Honours R30 000 1 year

Postgraduate Bursaries

Masters full-‐time R50 000 2 years

Doctoral full-‐time R70 000 3 years

* 50% of the amount indicated is allocated for semester grants.

Student intake into this Funding Instrument is according to the Ministerial Guidelines for

Improving Equity in the Distribution of the DST/NRF Bursaries and Fellowships (January

2013). The demographic and citizenship breakdown for such student intake is as follows:

87% South African (including permanent residents);

5% SADC;

4% Rest of the African continent; and

4% from non-African countries.

5.2 Running Expenses

Budget requests must be well motivated according to the requirements of the Thuthuka

Funding Instrument. Budget requests that are not well motivated according to the

requirements of the Thuthuka Funding Instrument will not be approved for funding.

5.2.1 Materials and Supplies

Goal

Materials and Supplies refer to the daily running expenses/costs of the research project.

These items must be directly related to the project.

Materials and Supplies is a compulsory category of funding. However, should your research

not require this, please substantiate in the application.

Materials and Supplies are any items with a life expectancy of generally less than a year,

and which are consumed in the normal course of operation in all field of research.

Laboratory Materials and supplies such as equipment with a value of less than R3 000

should be captured under Materials and Supplies even if not consumed in the normal course

of operations e.g. pipettes.

Eligibility

Applies to applicants in all funding Tracks.

Only project-related direct costs are covered.

Every type of purchase must be clearly identified individually and be well-

motivated in the budget submission.


Funding may be considered for applicants/team members with disabilities and

other special needs as specified in the Code of Good Practice on Employment of

People with Disabilities, as stated in the Employment Equity Act (No. 55 of 1998).

A clear motivation should be provided.

Applicants are required to submit the following:

A detailed description of items, e.g. description of the material, quantity, reagent

grade and cost per unit;

Survey related costs, e.g. number of questionnaires, stationary, photocopies, etc.;

and

Details of singular items less than R3 000.

Exclusions

Indirect costs (overheads);

Registration fees for enrolment;

Basic office equipment;

General stationary, photocopying and printing costs;

Journal publications, journal subscription costs and textbooks;

Telephone, fax and internet costs;

Personal laptops, computer hardware, and purchase or renewal of software

licenses unless for specialised equipment and software licences.

Any funding line that is listed as: “miscellaneous”, “ other” or”etc.”

Maximum Funding

The NRF contribution will be limited to a maximum of R100 000 per year.

5.2.2 Research Equipment

Goal

To provide support to applicants for the purchase of equipment, contributing to the

purchase of large equipment, or covering the maintenance, service or upgrade costs for

equipment or hiring of equipment.

Eligibility



Details of laboratory equipment to be purchased, e.g., water bath, autoclave, water

purification system, gel dryer;

Details of the contributing to the purchase of large equipment, e.g. shipping and customs.

A motivation for specialised hardware, e.g. audio-visual equipment, and specialised

software;

If more than one item of a particular piece of equipment is purchased, a motivation

per application should be provided;


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Maintenance costs, for new equipment that is purchased with NRF funding, must be

budgeted for (if not requested in this application);

Equipment should be purchased following the institutional procurement policies; and

If the funds are not used to purchase equipment, but to cover equipment

maintenance/service/upgrade costs, to enable research to be carried out on the

Thuthuka project, provide at the minimum the following:

o Detailed description of the equipment, e.g. (camera or tape recorder for data

capturing purposes)

o Description of how the equipment will be used in the Thuthuka project

o Details of the specific maintenance or service or upgrade.

Exclusions

Personal laptops, net books, hand-held notebooks, and personal digital assistant

(PDA) devices.

Licence fees or renewals of licences of non-specialised software (e.g. Ms Office).

Maximum Funding

The NRF contribution will be limited to a maximum of R50 000 per year per applicant.

Requests for funding for equipment valued between R1 000 000 and R10 000 000

should be directed to the Infrastructure Funding Instruments for support. Information

is available at http://www.nrf.ac.za/funding_overview.php.

5.2.3 Research, ad hoc and Technical Assistance

Goal

To provide support for specialised technical skills essential to the completion o f the

project; if a skills gap exists in the research team.

Eligibility


Appointees as Temporary Support Staff must have a minimum qualification of a BTech or

Honours. Technical Assistance Support (e.g. services of a statistician) includes using

statistical software packages (e.g. Statistical Package for the Social Science-SPSS,

Statistical Analysis System-SAS, etc.) to analyse data.


Details on research assistance required, e.g. consulting and legal services, editing and proofreading, data capturing, survey fees, forums facilitator fees or assistant, e.g. Statistician, Technician, Transcriber, Translator, Field worker.

Identified skills gap in the research team;

Expected skills transfer, if applicable; and

http://www.nrf.ac.za/funding_overview.php


Detailed cost breakdown, e.g. technical assistant work for three hours per day for

a total period of three months, at a rate of R80 rand per hour.

Exclusion

Administrative and/or secretarial support.

Maximum Funding The NRF contribution will be limited to a maximum of R40 000 per year.

5.2.4 Local Travel

Goal

To provide support to applicants, or students of the applicant (only those funded by the

NRF within this project), to cover travel for research and fieldwork that is related to the

research project.

When determining the cost pertaining to local travel, researchers must ensure that the most

economical and safe transport is utilized.

Eligibility

Applies to applicants and their students for application in all the funding Tracks.


A motivation and purpose (why) and place (where to) of the travel that is related to

the project objectives and methodology.

Detailed budget breakdown including:

o Cost for economic air travel.

o For travel by road, the number of kilometres to be travelled and costs based

on the applicant’s institutional rates.

o Type and cost of accommodation and duration of stay.

o Subsistence allowance based on the applicant’s institutional rates.

Exclusions

Meetings, workshops, networking and collaboration event.

Maximum Funding

The NRF contribution will be limited to a maximum of R10 000 per year per applicant.

5.2.5 Local Conferences

Goal

To provide support to an applicant and/or nominated grantholder-linked postgraduate

student/s who intends to participate (not for attendance) at locally-held conferences, as a


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mechanism to further the goals of their projects. This includes national and/or international

conferences held in South Africa.

NB: Workshop attendance will only qualify for support if this is attached to the local

conference.

Eligibility

Applies to applicants in all funding Tracks who are presenting a paper or poster

at a conference in the field of the research project funded by the NRF.

o Applies only where a conference has been identified; and

In addition, preference will be for conferences where applicants can demonstrate:

o networking opportunities;

o launch of collaboration; and/or

o Professional society/association meetings.

Grantholders should motivate how the presenting of a paper or poster by their

nominated postgraduate students at reputable local events (conferences,

seminars and workshops) will benefit the research project.


The name and place of the conference.

Indicate that a paper or poster will be presented.

Exclusions:

Visa and permit fees;

Events not attached to the conference;

Presentation of the same work at multiple conferences; or

Maximum Funding:

The NRF contribution will be limited to a maximum of:

R4 000 per year for local conferences held in South Africa.

5.2.6 International Conferences

Goal

To provide support to an applicant who intends to participate (not for attendance) at

internationally-held conferences, as a mechanism to further the goals of their projects

NB: Workshop attendance will only qualify for support if this is attached to the conference.

Eligibility

Applies to applicants in all funding Tracks who are presenting a paper or poster

at a conference in the field of the research project funded by the NRF.

Applies only if a conference has been identified; and


In addition, preference will be for conferences where applicants can demonstrate:

o networking opportunities;

o launch of collaboration; and/or

o Professional society/association meetings.

Attendance of international conferences in subsequent years will be considered only

if the grantholder’s paper at the previous international conference, for which funding

was awarded, has been published in a peer‐reviewed journal or proceedings, or if

evidence of acceptance for publication is supplied.


The name and place of the conference.

Indicate that a paper or poster will be presented.

Exclusions:

Visa and permit fees;

Events not attached to the conference;

Presentation of the same work at multiple conferences; or

Attendance of more than one conference abroad per year.

Maximum Funding:

The NRF contribution will be limited to a maximum of:

R17 000 per year for conferences held abroad.

5.2.7 Visiting Scientist

Goal

To provide support to applicants to invite a visitor/s to the applicant’s employing institution,

whose specialised skills add value to the project on a technical, scientific, strategic and/or

human capacity building level/s. Visiting scientists must be individuals of good standing in their

research fields and may be drawn from institutions in South Africa or abroad. Capacity

development activities associated with such visits are a requirement for funding under this

funding category.

Eligibility


The visiting scientist should make a contribution to the research project in the following

categories:

Technical skills or knowledge transfer.

Human capacity building: Student interaction (faculty interaction, seminars and

lectures).


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Applicants are required to submit:

The name of the person visiting;

The purpose of the visit (At the minimum a preliminary plan that must have been

discussed with the visiting scientist);

The period of the visit

A detailed cost breakdown with regards to:

o Accommodation,

o Airfare,

o Ground travel,

o Incidentals, e.g. Toll gate, parking costs & Subsistence.

Information on other sources of funding available; and

An outline of the outcomes that will be achieved including -

o Skills or knowledge transfer; and

o Contribution to the research at a strategic level.

There are no limits on the number of visitors, e.g. the visiting scientist. Repeat visits by the

same scientists will only be considered if active research collaboration exists.

Maximum Funding

The NRF contribution will be limited to a maximum of R60 000 per year per applicant,

awarded on a pro rata basis.

Table 3: Financial Categories Supported and Maximum Amounts Funded

Category of Support

MAXIMUM Ma Maximum Amounts (NRF contribution)

Materials and Supplies R100 000 maximum per annum

Research Equipment R50 000 maximum per annum

Research/ Technical/ Ad Hoc Assistants

R40 000 per annum awarded on a pro rata basis

Local Travel R10 000 maximum per annum

Local Conference R4 000 per annum

International Conference R17 000 per annum

Visiting Scientists R60 000 pro rata for a maximum of 12 months


Table 4: Financial Categories NOT Supported under the Thuthuka Grant

International Visits Not Funded

Costs for Joint Conferences and

Workshops

Not Funded

Airfare Not Funded (please include airfare costs where

applicable under International conference, Local

conference or Local travel)

Subsistence Not Funded

Accommodation Not Funded (please include accommodation costs

where applicable under International conference,

Local conference or Local travel)

Lecturer Replacement Not Funded

Please note: Budget requests and motivations that are not consistent with the permissible

funding categories in the Application and Funding Guide will not be considered in the Funding

Decision process. In order to realistically gauge the full extent of the proposed research,

details of other sources of financial support for the research must be submitted in the

application budget. This in no way compromises or disadvantages the proposal; instead,

knowledge of the commitment and contribution of other contributors (where applicable)

serves to better understand the feasibility of the proposed research project.

All grants allocated are subject to compliance with the NRF Conditions of Grant (CoG)

as specified in attachments to the Award Letter to successful applicants.

Online Application Categories

Not funded under Thuthuka Grant


21

6 Quick Overview of the Thuthuka Funding Instrument

PhD TRACK POST-PhD TRACK NRF RATING TRACK

Elig

ibilit

y C

rite

ria

Applicant must be a South African citizen. Applicant must be a South African citizen. Applicant must be a South African citizen or have a Permanent

South African Resident status with a valid South African

Permanent Resident Identity Number.

Applicant should be generally under the age of 45 years at

the time of first application.

Applicant should be generally under the age of 45

years at the time of first application.

No age restriction applies.

Applicant must be employed at public HEIs, Science

Councils and other research institutions, as recognized by

the NRF on a full-time permanent or full-time contract

basis. The contract appointment must extend for the

duration of the approved three year grant.

Applicant must be employed at public HEIs, Science

Councils and other research institutions, as

recognized by the NRF on a full-time permanent or

full-time contract basis. The contract appointment

must extend for the duration of the approved three

year grant.

Applicant must be employed at public HEIs, Science Councils

and other research institutions, as recognized by the NRF on a

full-time permanent or full-time contract basis. The contract

appointment must extend for the duration of the approved

three year grant.

Female applicants that are appointed on a fixed-term half-

day appointment in order to accommodate family

responsibilities are eligible. This is limited to women

raising children of four years of age and below. A copy of

the child’s ID should be included in the online application.

Female applicants that are appointed on a fixed-term

half-day appointment in order to accommodate

family responsibilities are eligible. This is limited to

women raising children of four years of age and

below. A copy of the child’s ID should be included in

the online application.

Female applicants that are appointed on a fixed-term half-day

appointment in order to accommodate family responsibilities

are eligible. This is limited to women raising children of four

years of age and below. A copy of the child’s ID should be

included in the online application.

Applicant must hold a Master’s degree. Applicant must hold a Doctoral degree awarded no

more than five years prior to the date of first

application.

Applicant must hold a Doctoral degree awarded no more than

eight years prior to the date of first application.

The institution at which the applicant is employed must be

committed to a 1:1 funding partnership with the NRF,

based on the total research operating costs awarded.

The institution at which the applicant is employed

must be committed to a 1:1 funding partnership with

the NRF, based on the total research operating

costs awarded.

The institution at which the applicant is employed must be

committed to a 1:1 funding partnership with the NRF, based on

the total research operating costs awarded.

The proposal must be endorsed by the DA of the institution

at which the applicant is employed.

The proposal must be endorsed by the DA of the

institution at which the applicant is employed.

The proposal must be endorsed by the DA of the institution at

which the applicant is employed.



Proof of Registration for Doctoral studies must be attached

to the application or submitted with the signed Conditions

of Grant.

Applicants may not be an NRF-rated researcher at

the time of the Thuthuka application. Should an NRF

Evaluation and Rating application and a Thuthuka

application be submitted simultaneously and both

are successful, then the Thuthuka grant will not be

awarded.

Applicants may not be an NRF-rated researcher at the time of

the Thuthuka application. Should an NRF Evaluation and

Rating application and a Thuthuka application be submitted

simultaneously and both are successful, then the Thuthuka

grant will not be awarded.

Recommendation by the supervisor/project leader in

support of the Thuthuka award/application is required.

N/A N/A

N/A N/A Applicants must have identified a research focus in an area in

which they plan to establish a research track record.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have been unable to

establish themselves as researchers due to limited research

opportunities (e.g. working in an institution with limited

research infrastructure and research activity).

Ty

pes o

f su

pp

ort

Consumables. Consumables. Consumables.

Grantholder-linked Student Support (up to Masters level)

(limited to a maximum of one Masters and two final-

year/Honours bursaries per grantholder).

Grantholder-linked Student Support. Grantholder-linked Student Support.

Provision for the establishment of a mentoring relationship. Provision for the establishment of a mentoring

relationship.

N/A

Research/technical assistance. Research/technical assistance.

Research equipment. The maximum contribution by the

NRF is R50 000.

Research equipment. The maximum contribution by

the NRF is R50 000.

Research equipment. The maximum contribution by the NRF

is R50 000.

A well-motivated budget for domestic/local travel for

research purposes.

A well-motivated budget for domestic/local travel for

research purposes.

A well-motivated budget for domestic/local travel for research

purposes.

One local conference per year for the applicant, to present

a paper or poster.

One local conference per year for the applicant, to

present a paper or poster.

One local conference per year for the applicant, to present a

paper or poster.


23


One international conference for the applicant biennially to

present a paper or poster from which a peer-reviewed

published article should be produced. An application for

any subsequent international conferences will be

considered only if the requirements for the previous one

have been fulfilled.

One international conference annually to present a

paper or poster from which a peer-reviewed

published article should be produced. An application

for any subsequent international conference will be

considered only if the requirements for the previous

one have been fulfilled.

One international conference annually to present a paper or

poster from which a peer-reviewed a published article should

be produced. An application for any subsequent international

conference will be considered only if the requirements for the

previous one have been fulfilled.

Ou

tpu

ts p

er

thre

e y

ear

cycle

A minimum of one publication biennially on the

Thuthuka-funded research project in a peer-reviewed

journal, or a recognised equivalent research output.

A minimum of two publications per cycle on the

Thuthuka funded research project in peer-reviewed

journals, or recognised equivalent research outputs.

A minimum of three publications on the Thuthuka funded

research project in peer-reviewed journals, or recognised

equivalent research outputs.

Ou

tpu

ts a

t en

d o

f fu

ll s

up

po

rt

pe

rio

d

N/A At least two postgraduate students at Masters and/or

Doctoral level supervised or co-supervised and

completing their studies.

At least two postgraduate students at Masters and/or Doctoral

level supervised or co-supervised and completing their studies.

Completion of a Doctoral degree. N/A NRF rating or application for NRF rating by the end of the

funding period.

At least three papers presented at local and/or

international conferences.

At least four papers presented at local and

international conferences.

At least six papers presented at local and international

conferences.

A minimum of three publications in peer-reviewed journals

or recognised equivalent research outputs.

A minimum of four publications in peer-reviewed

journals or recognised equivalent research outputs.

A minimum of six publications in peer-reviewed journals or

recognised equivalent research outputs.


7 Application Process

The NRF issues a Call for proposals to the Thuthuka Funding Instrument annually, which is

placed on the NRF website and is accessible online at https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za. The

Thuthuka Funding Instrument does not accept more than one application per applicant within

a three year funding cycle; although a project proposal that has been rejected by the NRF

may be revised and resubmitted in this period. In such cases, any revision or reworking of

the proposal to accommodate the reviewers’ feedback on the initial application should be

explained and pointed out in the revision. Applications must be duly approved by the

Designated Authority (DA) in the Research Office at the institution that submits the application

electronically, by the DA closing date.

The processing of a grant application takes approximately six months from the time

of submission to the announcement of the outcome of the review of the application.

7.1 How to Submit Applications

Applications are available for completion on the NRF Online Submission System, and

applications for funding in 2019 will close on 10 May 2018 for applicants. Applicants in the

PhD Track must ensure that their supervisors submit their recommendation by 24 May

2018. DA’s have until 24 May 2018 to validate applications. Applicants are advised to

complete their proposals as soon as possible to prevent IT system overload near the closing

date.

This is an electronic submission system and applicants need to be registered on the NRF

Online Submission System (https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za) in order to create and complete

an application. Applicants that experience problems accessing the system with their

password should use the Reset Password button to reset their password.

Applicants are urged to complete or update ALL screens of the CV, including the

Research Profile and Research Outputs, before creating applications as this

information is referred to in the review process.

When the applicant submits an application, it will be routed to the Designated Authority (DA)

in the Research Office of his/her institution for internal review and validation. Late

applications, additional supporting documentation or information received after the closing

date will not be accepted or considered. Applications or budgets uploaded in the attachment

section of the application will not be considered for funding by the NRF.

Applicants must ensure that they adhere to their institution’s internal closing date for

submission of their application to allow for internal institutional screening and review. The

internal closing date will be determined by the respective research offices and is usually

at least two weeks prior to the NRF’s closing date.

The NRF cannot process Applications, Budget Motivations or Progress Reports (PRs) that

are incomplete, contain insufficient or incorrect detail, or fail to follow instructions. Such

Applications, Budget Motivations or PRs will be rejected. The Applications, Budget

Motivations or PRs must be completed in sufficient detail to allow comprehensive review

https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za/


25

and evaluation by internal and external reviewers. In addition to the electronic application

and required attachments, the NRF may request additional information or documentation to

support an application.

Failure to supply such information or documentation upon request may result in the rejection

of the application.

It is important that all proposals are screened and approved by internal institutional

processes before submission to the NRF. Institutional authorities should take particular

care regarding the budget information included in applications. It should be taken into

consideration that the amounts requested from the NRF constitute 50% of the total project

budget, up to the maximum amounts indicated in the Application and Funding Guide, as the

employing institution will be committed to funding the balance in terms of operating costs.

Applicants should provide a detailed motivation for each item for which funds are

requested. The NRF assumes that the respective DAs are satisfied with the standard of all

proposals validated and submitted, and that the institution approves and supports the

proposed research.

7.2 Screening and Review Processes

7.2.1 Overview of the Screening Process

All applications validated by institutions and submitted to the NRF are screened by the NRF

for compliance with the requirements of the Call for Proposals, the stipulations set out in

this Application and Funding Guide, and the content requirements indicated in the online

application screens. Applications that fail to meet the requirements and stipulations are

rejected.

7.2.2 Overview of the Review Process

The NRF’s peer review policy requires that all applications be subjected to a two-tiered review

process, firstly for remote review and secondly for panel review.


7.2.2.1 Remote Peer Review

After the closing date for the submission of applications, all eligible applications are subjected

to remote peer review. Any information submitted as email attachments that should have

been completed in the Thuthuka online application form renders the application incomplete

resulting in a rejection. The reviewers are selected from the list of suggested reviewers

provided by the applicant, as well as additional reviewers selected by the Reviews &

Evaluation (RE) staff of the NRF from existing databases and other sources. Applicants are

encouraged to suggest reviewers from abroad. A minimum of six written reviews per

application are solicited, with the ultimate aim of eliciting at least three well-substantiated

remote review reports per application for submission to the panel review process.

Applications are sent for review to researchers with selected research knowledge and

insight in relevant disciplines, after which written online review reports are submitted to the

NRF. The remote review reports, together with the proposals and supporting documentation

are then deliberated upon in the Panel Review Process.

7.2.2.2 Panel Peer Review

Following the remote review process, applications are subjected to panel peer review. The

remote reviewers’ reports serve as the basis for discussion and review by the panel members.

Panel members are selected from the NRF database, which is updated on a continuous basis,

as well as other sources. In making the selection, the expertise and experience of individuals

in funding proposal adjudication are taken into account. In assessing the proposals, the postal

reviewers’ reports are referred to, and agreed assessment criteria are applied in the form of a

scorecard.

The panel provides recommendations to the NRF. The final funding decision is made by the

NRF. In awarding grants in this Funding Instrument, the NRF takes into account the

recommendations of the peer review panels, budget motivations by the applicant, the

objectives and equity targets of the Instrument, as well as the availability of funds.

7.3 Ranking of Proposals

The purpose of the scoring system is to evaluate proposals, based on the Thuthuka Funding

Instrument criteria, in order to determine applicants that are most deserving of the limited

funds available. All research proposals submitted to the NRF for funding, irrespective of the

Funding Track, are evaluated according to a number of predetermined criteria. Proposals are

assessed and ranked on the basis of qualifiers as listed in the table below. Each area is given

a weight to indicate its relative importance. Kindly consult the table below for details on the

criteria used per funding Track as well as their relative weighting.


27

NRF Scorecard for the Assessment of Proposals for Thuthuka Funding

Criterion Description % Weightin

g PhD Track

Post-PhD Track

NRF-rating Track

Track Record of Applicant

This refers to past research outputs recognised by the NRF. This refers to outputs such as the professional development of the applicant; journal articles; conference presentations and proceedings; books and book chapters; and patents.

Reviewers will be required to comment on whether the standing and research record of the researcher suggest that the applicant has the appropriate research experience to undertake the proposed research.

5

5

5

Research Proposal This refers to scientific contribution; originality and new knowledge; interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary aspects; match between the research question and the proposed research methodology and alignment with the applicant’s institutional strategy and/or any national research strategy.

Scientific and Technical Quality – Reviewers will evaluate whether the project will * make a contribution to new knowledge and new methodologies in the field; * apply existing knowledge and methodologies in the field; * involve unique application of existing knowledge and methodologies in the field; * or utilise the application of existing knowledge and methodologies in the field.

Interdisciplinary or Multidisciplinary aspects – Reviewers will assess whether Interdisciplinary or Multidisciplinary aspects have been fully-, partially or not explored in the research proposal partially or not explored in the research proposal.

35

25

25


Criterion Description % Weighting

PhD Track

Post-PhD Track

NRF-rating Track

Research objectives to match aims of study – Reviewers will assess whether the research objectives are clearly stated and on whether they are appropriate to meet the aims of the study; are sound but have inconsistencies and can be refined; are appropriate but only partially address the aims of the study; or are not appropriate to meet the aims of the study.

Research methodology to match research objectives – Reviewers will comment on whether the research methodology is appropriate to meet objectives of study; is sound but has inconsistencies and can be refined; is appropriate but only partially addresses study objectives; or not appropriate to meet objectives of study.

Human Capital

Development

Student

involvement Representation

from designated / under- represented groups

Greater emphasis is placed on the number of students trained and the participation of researchers and/or students from under-represented groups (i.e. black, female and disabled) in research projects.

10

20

20

2015 Thuthuka Funding Guide

Project Management

Project

organisation

Project scheduling

Budget

Project organisation refers to how project teams and human resources are composed; the roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of team members; the proposed research activities; and the supervision. Project scheduling refers to the work breakdown of the project to ensure that specific outcomes are achieved; as well as the objectives and associated timelines in place to divide the scope of work into manageable activities.

Project budgeting refers to effective planning and budgeting of resources.

20

20

20


Criterion Description % Weighting

PhD Track Post-PhD Track

NRF-rating Track

Collaboration on Research

Project

In order to address historical imbalances, research collaboration between researchers at various institutions is encouraged, especially between institutions with limited research infrastructure and research activity, and research-intensive institutions with varied capabilities.

Reviewers will be required to comment on whether research collaborations are required to meet the study objectives and have been considered, and to also comment on whether the research collaborations are appropriate to meet objectives of the study and have been fully addressed; are appropriate but only partially meet the study objectives; or are not appropriate to meet the study objectives.

5

10

10

Supervision/Mentorship In the Post-PhD and NRF-Rating Tracks, the supervisory track record

of their academic standing and past outputs.

10

5

5

Expected Outputs This refers to NRF recognised research outputs such as the professional development of the applicant; journal articles; conference presentations and proceedings; books and book chapters; and patents. Successful applicants will be expected to deliver on all anticipated outputs or risk suspension of their funding. Reviewers will be required to assess whether the proposed outputs are fully-, partially- or not achievable within the given timeframe.

10

10

10

Potential Impact Particular attention is paid to proposals with the potential to contribute to

the strategic goals of the knowledge economy.

5

5

5


31

7.4 Application Feedback and Disputes

Once the review and assessment processes have been completed and the funding decision

recommendations have been approved by the Executive Director: HICD, applicants are notified of

the outcome whether positive or negative. The Reviews and Evaluation Department will notify

unsuccessful applicants together with feedback from the peer review panel process. GMSA will

notify successful applicants of the funding awarded towards the successful proposal.

Any disputes resulting from the review process or contractual arrangements will be resolved

according to the provisions in the contractual agreement. The level of resolution will depend on

the nature and complexity of the dispute.

The following escalation process will be followed in resolving disputes:

Review Officer: RE

Executive Director: RE

7.5 Accountability within NRF

The NRF operates a matrix management system with a centralised GMSA Directorate responsible

for administering and managing grants across a wide portfolio of funding instruments.

The Executive Director: HICD is accountable for the Thuthuka Funding Instrument, and the

Director: HICD is responsible for the management of the objectives of the Funding Instrument.

Responsibility for the effective management and administration of the Thuthuka grants rests with

the Director: GMSA, who is accountable to the Executive Director: GMSA.

8 Grantholder Responsibilities

8.1 Reporting

Continued funding beyond the first year is dependent on the submission of a Budget Motivation

and a PR to the NRF each grant year. Continued funding will be considered based on satisfactory

progress.

A Final Report must be submitted after the last year of a cycle. This includes grantholders that

have missed the Budget Motivation deadline in any year, or after the completion of the project.

Financial reporting on the project should be completed by the institution’s Financial Officer at the

end of the duration of the award.

NB: This should be read in conjunction with Section 4.1 of this document (Funding Duration)

as well as the CoG that needs to be signed by the Grantholder and the Institution in order

for the Grant to be valid.


8.2 Managing Changes during the Project Life Cycle

Changes may occur during the project life cycle due to unforeseen or extenuating circumstances.

Please note the following on how to manage the award and subsequent changes (planned or

unanticipated) should they arise during the project life cycle.

8.2.1 Change Requests

8.2.1.1 Prior Approval Requests

All change requests must be preceded by prior NRF approval submitted in writing to the GMSA at

least three days before the proposed change. The request must have institutional DA endorsement

and be submitted to the NRF via the Research Office.

8.2.1.2 Grantholder change

The Thuthuka Funding Instrument does not allow a grantholder change. Should there be such a

request the new nominated researcher should submit this project as a new application for

assessment.

Exclusions:

Thuthuka grantholders in the PhD Track working on their doctoral dissertation may not transfer their

grant to another grantholder.

8.2.1.3 Changes in project scope

Changes may occur where a project scope needs to be modified from the original research

proposal/project design. The request must have institutional DA endorsement and be submitted to

the NRF via the Research Office. Grantholders should notify the GMSA in writing of the proposed

changes as soon as possible.

8.3 Scientific Compliance

8.3.1 Methodology

The grantholder takes scientific responsibility for the research to be undertaken, including its

objectives and the methodology outlined in the project proposal. The grantholder is required to

devote the necessary time to the research project in compliance with the work plan for the research

proposal approved by the NRF so as to achieve the project’s stated aims and objectives.

8.3.2 Intellectual Property Rights

The intellectual capital generated by NRF funded research must be appropriately protected and

exploited for the benefit of South Africa. This condition should not interfere with the Intellectual

Property Rights arrangements already made, on condition that the majority of the benefits arising


33

from the intellectual capital accrue to South Africa and its citizens. This condition is aligned with the

Intellectual Property Rights Act,1 which will override this Condition of Grant.

8.3.3 Ethics

A grantholder is required to maintain the highest ethical and safety standards in conducting the

research, particularly when human and animal subjects are involved. It remains the responsibility of

the project leader to comply with all relevant regulations in this regard, including those of the

institution at which the research is carried out. An ethical clearance certificate (where applicable)

must be submitted to the NRF in respect of successful applications before funding can be released.

8.3.4 Access to Data

The data generated from the proposed research must become available to other researchers

working in the same field. Therefore, it is important that the data is provided to domain specific

databases or, in the absence thereof, to the South African Data Archive (SADA).

8.4 Supervision

In the PhD Track, the grantholder AND the appointed supervisor have a commitment to the

grantholder’s nominated students working on the NRF-funded project. Grantholders must ensure

that students receive adequate supervisory support to undertake project-related research that

contributes towards the degree for which the students are registered. Grantholders are required to

submit an APR on the NRF electronic submission system detailing both project and student related

progress during the given funding year. Failure to comply with this requirement, or submission of a

report that the NRF considers inadequate, may lead to the suspension or termination of the research

grant.

8.5 Premature Termination

If a grantholder is unable to complete a research project for which the NRF has awarded a grant, it

is the responsibility of the grantholder, through the institution’s DA, to notify the Director: GMSA of

the intention to prematurely terminate the project. Premature termination of a research project may

occur for a number of reasons. Taking into account the circumstances and reasons for termination

the grantholder, in consultation with the NRF, will decide on the best course of action and possible

outcomes including, but not limited to, the final termination of the project and the recall of funds

expensed. Irrespective of the decision taken, the grantholder is required to submit a Final Report to

the NRF. The grantholder must ensure that each student involved in or directly linked to the project

completes a progress report on their research project, which should be endorsed by the grantholder

and the institution’s DA. These progress reports will be used in considering any further applications

for NRF funding to complete the work, according to the criteria applicable to the Funding Instrument

to which any such application is submitted.

1 RSA (2008). Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act 51 of 2008.

Government Gazette, 22 Dec 2008. Vol 522, no three1745.


9 Contact Details

Director: GMSA

Mrs Thashni Pillay: Emerging Researchers Telephone: (012) 481 4142 E-‐mail address: [email protected]

Acting Professional Officer: GMSA

Miss Zodwa Mahlangu Telephone: (012) 481 4114

E-‐mail address: [email protected]

Project Team Member: GMSA

Miss Malebo Mohlala Telephone: (012) 481 4121 E-‐mail address: [email protected]

The Professional Officer is responsible for the coordination of grant administration processes and

management of Thuthuka grants.

The GMSA directorate processes all grant applications, and is responsible for the administration and

management of grants. Full details of application procedures, eligibility and funding guidelines are

explained in this document.

For technical online enquiries, please contact the NRF Support Desk during office hours (08:00-

16:30), on:

Tel: (012) 481-4202 E-‐mail address: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]




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